US concerned about Netanyahu's plans to launch an offensive in Rafah

US concerned about Netanyahu's plans to launch an offensive in Rafah

Kyiv  •  UNN

March 19 2024, 08:21 AM • 22573 views

The United States warns Israel against a large-scale ground invasion of Rafah in Gaza, citing concerns about the worsening humanitarian crisis and Israel's further international isolation.

The White House has issued a strong public warning to Israel against invading the crowded city of Rafah in the Gaza Strip, saying it would deepen the humanitarian crisis in the besieged enclave. This was reported by UNN with reference to the Times of Israel and Aljazeera.

A major ground operation would be a mistake. It would lead to more deaths among innocent civilians, worsen an already dire humanitarian crisis, deepen anarchy in Gaza, and further isolate Israel internationally

- said U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, offering insight into a 45-minute phone call between U.S. President Biden and Netanyahu.

The phone call between Netanyahu and Biden was the 20th since the start of the war after the October 7 Hamas attack, but the first since mid-February 2024. It is also worth recalling the speech of longtime pro-Israel supporter and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, who called for early elections in Israelto replace Netanyahu, who, in the words of the oldest Jewish lawmaker in Congress, "has lost his way.

According to Israeli media and the press service of the Israeli government, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told US President Joe Biden that Israel is determined to "achieve all the goals of the war" in Gaza, including "the elimination of Hamas.

Image

We discussed the latest developments in the war, including Israel's commitment to achieve all of the war's objectives: to destroy Hamas, to release all of our hostages, and to ensure that Gaza no longer poses a threat to Israel, while providing the necessary humanitarian assistance."

- Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement.

Recall

The EU has agreed to impose sanctions against members of HamasC and extremist Israeli settlers who attack Palestinians in the West Bank, marking the first time the bloc has sanctioned violent acts by Israeli settlers.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected calls by US Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer for early elections in Israel, saying it would divert attention from the conflict with Hamas in Gaza.